Originally Posted by
hailstorm
There remains the distinct possibility of the emergence of a highly infectious, highly lethal variant that evades much of the protections that we've built up to this point.
I would not describe an event with no indication of increasing likelihood, and in fact with all historical evidence and data being counter to it, as a "distinct possibility."
The only way to delay the onset of such a hypothetical beast is based on the policies in place before the threat becomes known.
But such a virus could arise and have no relation to SARS-CoV-2 whatsoever. Such a thing could occur at any point now or in the future. Highly lethal disease have arisen in the past as well.
What if the hypothetical highly lethal virus, whether it be a variant of SARS-CoV-2 or not, originates within your own country? Preparing for everything that could happen, no matter how unlikely, is not just feasible or rational.